When I sign in to a captive Wi-Fi network and then forget it, it never lets me sign in to that network again. It shows no login screen, it simply says “No internet connection.” What should I do about this?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad, iPadOS 18
WiFi/Internet connection difficulties are usually an indication that your device does not have a routable IP Address - your IP Address usually being assigned by DHCP. When problems occur, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address for the WiFi network to which you are attempting to connect, you'll not be able to access a Captive Portal.
You can verify your DHCP-assigned IP Address from settings:
Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the blue “i” icon - [IPv4 Address] IP Address
If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security/AV/firewall App (such as Norton), these may be interfering with DHCP and preventing your device from obtaining a valid IP Address for the WiFi network to which you are attempting to connect. The resolution is usually simple; if installed, you may only need to temporarily disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.
DHCP is frequently used to automatically obtain an IP Address. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address to connect to your network, you will not have an internet connection. Disabling or removing VPN and/or the offending security App should allow DHCP to operate normally - allowing connection to your network and the internet.
If this resolves your issue, the VPN and/or security App can be reinstated after the connectivity problem has been resolved.
WiFi/Internet connection difficulties are usually an indication that your device does not have a routable IP Address - your IP Address usually being assigned by DHCP. When problems occur, your iPad may only have a self-assigned link-local IP address that begins 169.254.x.x. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address for the WiFi network to which you are attempting to connect, you'll not be able to access a Captive Portal.
You can verify your DHCP-assigned IP Address from settings:
Settings > WiFi > [Your WiFi Network / SSID] - tap the blue “i” icon - [IPv4 Address] IP Address
If you have a VPN App or profiles installed, or a security/AV/firewall App (such as Norton), these may be interfering with DHCP and preventing your device from obtaining a valid IP Address for the WiFi network to which you are attempting to connect. The resolution is usually simple; if installed, you may only need to temporarily disable or remove the Security App and/or VPN.
DHCP is frequently used to automatically obtain an IP Address. Until your iPad has a valid IP Address to connect to your network, you will not have an internet connection. Disabling or removing VPN and/or the offending security App should allow DHCP to operate normally - allowing connection to your network and the internet.
If this resolves your issue, the VPN and/or security App can be reinstated after the connectivity problem has been resolved.
Perhaps this support page will be helpful with troubleshooting:
Use captive Wi-Fi networks on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support
Apple uses this URL to test for a Captive Network:
https://www.apple.com/library/test/success.html
Errors relating to the address generally indicate a failure to authenticate the user via the hotspot operator’s paywall/terms page - prior to granting internet connectivity. Difficulties accessing the URL used to test for a captive portal might suggest that an installed App or other service is perhaps blocking access to some internet resources.
Are you absolutely certain that you are not using a VPN or other blocking/filtering Apps? Some Apps can install a local proxy using a VPN profile - or may route your network traffic via an external proxy service (common with security, AntiVirus and some Ad/content blocking Apps). If VPN and network proxy services have been eliminated from the equation, then a remaining possibility that comes to mind is Apple Private Relay. I have myself, on occasion, experienced difficulties with a Captive Portal while this service is enabled.
As a diagnostic exercise, ensure that the Private Relay service is disabled in iPad settings:
Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > [iCloud Features] Private Relay > Private Relay - set to OFF
The problem does not occur with any Wi-Fi networks except captive Wi-Fi networks. I’ve tried it on multiple devices and multiple captive networks, but the problem is always there. I use no vpn. The network works fine until I forget the network and reconnect.
I have no vpn, and the device is not signed in. I tried resetting my network, but that didn’t work. I think that this is a bug with the os, so I have submitted feedback to Apple. Please do not reply: I will be inactive on this thread.
Captive Wi-Fi login screen not appearing after forgetting network on iPhone
